Alabama

Metz is ready to make BottleTree sweat

Metz is a garage rock trio from Toronto. They're loud. Their eponymous debut was released on Sub Pop in 2012 to a very positive reception. The band stops by BottleTree Cafe on Tuesday, April 23. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.thebottletree.com for $10 or at the door for $12. Doors open at 8 p.m., while the show begins at 9 p.m. Odonis Odonis will open.

I spoke to lead vocalist Alex Edkins about hanging out with Big Boi from Outkast, Sub Pop and the Great White North.

Blake Ells for Birmingham Box Set: Is there a scene in Toronto? What's it like?

Alex Edkins: I definitely think there's something happening, but I can't put my finger on it. There's lots of great music, but it's different music, so it's not a "scene" in the traditional sense. It's a mixed batch. It's an interesting place to make music and it's fun for us to play with and get to know a lot of other bands in the city.

BE: Are you a Blue Jays fan?

AE: Sure. [laughs] Although we're not really big into sports.

BE: I saw a photo in your Facebook feed from a couple of weeks ago where you were hanging out with Big Boi. What happened that night?

AE: That was quite a day. We flew into Tampa for the Tampa Pro Am Skate Competition and we were opening for Big Boi, who we love to death - love Outkast. We got to go backstage and meet him and that's when we got the photo. He wasn't at the venue long, so there isn't much more [to the meeting]. The airline actually lost all of our equipment that day and we had to rent some things.

BE: Why does garage rock work better with three or less members?

AE: We always think that less is more. It's simple - it's not busy or convoluted. With just three of us, we can get straight to the point. If we use our instruments together the right way, we might get something that sounds good.

BE: What can I expect from the live show?

AE: We're three guys who enjoy playing live, and we hope to get the crowd sweaty and moving just like us. Playing live is our favorite part of the day, and we like to have as much fun as possible.

BE: How did you land the Sub Pop deal and have you developed a relationship with any of your labelmates?

AE: It was the traditional way - we sent a demo, they responded positively. They dug it, and they told us they wanted to hear more when it was finished. We made the record and sent it over and they liked the finished product. It's cool because we were already friends with guys like OPETH, Mudhoney and Pissed Jeans and they were welcoming us before we were with the label. All of those guys are really cool.

BE: Who are the top five American rock bands of all time?

AE: Well, when you say American, I'd say MC5 right off the top of my head. The Stooges. These are all the easy ones here. I may have to turn this over to the guys with me. [turns to the rest of his group]